Endodontics

Endodontics is one of the main branches of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis of diseases affecting the teeth, tooth roots, and surrounding tissues, as well as their causes, prevention, and treatment.

Root canal treatment is performed when the dental pulp—the collection of blood vessels and nerves located beneath the enamel and dentin layers and responsible for maintaining the vitality of the tooth—has been damaged or injured to the extent that it can no longer heal itself, or when it has lost its vitality and become necrotic.

The treatment of toothache, severe sensitivity to hot and cold, dental abscesses, discolored teeth, and teeth damaged as a result of trauma falls within the scope of endodontic treatment.

Root canal treatment involves removing inflamed or dead pulp tissue from the root canals, disinfecting the canals, and completely filling the resulting space with a biocompatible material. When deep decay damages the pulp, it may lose its ability to heal itself and the infection may spread to the tip of the root. If root canal treatment is not performed in such cases, inflammation may develop around the root tip over time and may damage the jawbone. Surgical intervention or extraction of the tooth may eventually become necessary.

In summary, the aim of endodontic treatment is to treat a diseased or damaged tooth and preserve it in the mouth both aesthetically and functionally.

WHEN IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT NECESSARY?

Root canal treatment is required when the pulp, the innermost layer of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, is damaged due to trauma, infection, or extensive deep decay. Patients often visit their dentist because of severe tooth pain.

IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT PAINFUL?

Root canal treatment is generally not a painful procedure. Thanks to local anesthetics and modern anesthesia techniques, treatment can usually be completed comfortably and without pain.

CAN ROOT CANAL TREATMENT BE COMPLETED IN A SINGLE VISIT?

Today, advances in imaging techniques, rotary instrumentation systems, ultrasonic devices, and laser technologies allow root canal treatment to be completed in a single visit in many cases, with the exception of certain complex situations.

In most cases where there is no severe bone infection, persistent inflammation, or abscess, root canal treatment can often be completed in one appointment. The patient’s systemic condition and overall health may also influence the number of treatment sessions required.

WILL I EXPERIENCE PAIN AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

Following root canal treatment, particularly after treatment of a tooth that was still vital, mild sensitivity or discomfort when biting may occur for several days. This is considered a normal temporary reaction after root canal treatment.

Using the treated tooth carefully for a short period usually allows this discomfort to resolve quickly. When root canal treatment is performed correctly by an endodontic specialist, reported success rates can reach approximately 98%.